Schumacher: Mercedes can stop trying to read the tea leaves

Seven times world champion Michael Schumacher insist that Mercedes now in good form for the season kick-off race at Melbourne.

“Finally, we can stop trying to read the tea leaves from testing and actually go racing,” said Schumacher.

“Melbourne is a perfect location, and the ideal place to start the season. The city loves Formula One, the fans create a great atmosphere and obviously, as drivers, we feel that too.

“And because we’ve already got a buzz about what’s to come, it just makes you want to get out there and start driving.

“During winter testing, we completed lots of miles and built up a really complete set of data, which should put us in a good position for the first race and to develop the car even further in the right direction. We’re ready for the 2012 season to begin…”

Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug says that his team head to Australia in good position than ever before.

“Starting the third season with our Silver Arrows works team, we think we are better prepared than the two years before, which indicates that our learning process is heading in the right direction,” he said.

“After testing, we know we have a solid basis to work from and a good platform for development. Understandably, there is much speculation about the pecking order of the new season, and finally we will get a first answer on Saturday afternoon during qualifying in Melbourne, when everybody has to put their cards on the table.”